Leeds commits to 2023 Capital of Culture bid

LEEDS’ bid to become the 2023 European Capital of Culture has taken a big step forward after the city council approved plans to develop a bid.

The University of Leeds has committed £225,000 over the next three years to support the bid, with other private sector partners expected to add their financial backing.

An interest bid must be submitted by December 2016, with a further and final bid submitted by December 2017, as cities look to emulate the successes of Glasgow in 1990 and Liverpool in 2008.

Council members considered a report that details the results of a wide-ranging 14 month public consultation, and recommended that Leeds should put its name forward for the title.

In response to a public consultation, the majority of responses detailed in the report were supportive of a bid.

These included 77% of 3,000 residents consulted as part of Leeds City Council’s ‘Annual Citizens Culture Survey’ stating they would support a bid and 94% of those who responded to a ‘Breeze Online Survey’ of children and young people also offering their support.

Cllr Keith Wakefield, leader of Leeds City Council said: “After a vast and detailed public consultation which showed there is real groundswell of support for a potential bid in our city, it is very exciting to say that following approval by the executive board, Leeds has now set off on its journey to become the 2023 European Capital of Culture.

“The Tour de France last year showed what we can achieve as a city when residents, communities, groups, organisations and partners all come together to play a massive part in a real once in a generation opportunity and event, and I am confident that this can be replicated through our 2023 European Capital of Culture bid.

“If it is to be successful, I believe it is absolutely vital that the bid comes right from the heart and fabric of the city and it must be both transformational and long lasting in its impact for all of our residents and communities.

“This is both a massive challenge and opportunity, and we are looking forward as a council to playing our part in making these ambitions a reality in a true one Leeds, one vision bid.”

A public meeting in January 2014, attended by more than 300 people kicked-off the 14-month conversation.

A number of businesses, city-based groups and academic establishments have offered their support, with the University of Leeds pledging £75,000 a year for three years to help with the development of the bid.

Sir Alan Langlands, vice-chancellor of the University of Leeds, said: “We will do all that we can to support Leeds’ bid to secure European Capital of Culture status for 2023. Success would mean a huge boost to the outstanding cultural and artistic activities our city already enjoys.

“It would also bring wider economic benefits and significant new opportunities for our staff and students who already work closely with the cultural and creative industries.

“The University of Leeds plays an important part in the cultural life of the city and we are proud to be the principal academic partner in this bid.”